Witty's Funeral Home

Witty's Funeral Home Providing funerals, memorial and cremation services. Founded in 1910, Witty's Funeral Home is honored to provide caring and respectful services.

The funeral home is located in the North Quabbin area in North Central Massachusetts with easy access off Route 2. The Orange location is at 158 South Main Street, Orange, MA 01364 (978) 544-3160.

Today we honor all veterans............
11/11/2025

Today we honor all veterans............

November 10, 2025Marie M. SongerATHOL- Marie M. Songer, 94, of Old Keene Rd died peacefully at her home on Saturday, Nov...
11/10/2025

November 10, 2025

Marie M. Songer

ATHOL- Marie M. Songer, 94, of Old Keene Rd died peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Marie was born February 15, 1931 to Hyacinthe and Anna (Savoy) Duguay. She grew up and lived her life in Athol.
In 1952, she married Frank Songer and enjoyed 73 years of marriage together.
Marie was a homemaker while raising her four children and then worked for 17 year at the L.S. Starrett Company in Athol as an inspector.
She enjoyed baking, cooking, fishing, time with family, and watching the Patriots.
Besides her husband Frank, Marie leaves a son, Kent Songer (Susan TandySonger) of Phillipston; daughters Lisa Songer Burke (Jeff Burke) of Rangeley, Maine; Linda Songer of Orange; daughter-in-law Betty Songer of Gardner, and granddaughter Mellissa MacMahon of Pittsburg, PA, who she helped raise. Her other grandchildren include Jennifer Rich, Jessica Decker, Rebecca Songer, Matthew Songer, Marie Larabbe, Charles Chandler, and David Frigon along with 8 great grandchildren. She leaves one sister, Jeanette Capone of Athol and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Marie was predeceased by a son, Keith Songer; brothers John, Edwin, Richard, Wilbert, Leonard, and Nelson Duguay and sisters Lorinda Holmes, Edna Mallet, Laura Duguay and Marguerite Duguay.
There are no calling hours.
A graveside service will be held at Silver Lake Cemetery, upper section off Lenox Street, Athol, on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

November 5, 2025Paul G. WoodardGARDNER- Paul G. Woodard, 77, of Blanchard Street, died on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at ...
11/05/2025

November 5, 2025

Paul G. Woodard

GARDNER- Paul G. Woodard, 77, of Blanchard Street, died on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, following an illness.
Born in Montague on October 18, 1948, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Geraldine (Taylor) Woodard and graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1966.
On June 28, 1966, Paul enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged on October 24, 1967.
Paul worked his entire career as a heavy equipment operator in construction before retiring.
He loved his family immensely. Paul enjoyed being at the ocean, listening to the oldies music and watching country western movies, especially the John Wayne's! He really knew how to make you laugh with his great impressions and wise guy lines! Paul also enjoyed watching the Patriots.
Survivors include his sons, Jason Woodard and Shaun Woodard, both of Henderson, Nevada; a daughter, Tasha Woodard of Gardner; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sisters Deborah Mailllet of Lexington, North Carolina and Kathryn Conley of Kennet Square, Pennsylvania; and a brother, Stephen Woodard of Sarasota, Florida.
As Paul wanted, there will be no calling hours or services.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

11/03/2025

With the holidays coming, a timely reminder!

Patricia M. VandenbergWARWICK- Patricia M Vandenberg, 77, of Gale Road, Warwick was received into the arms of her belove...
11/01/2025

Patricia M. Vandenberg

WARWICK- Patricia M Vandenberg, 77, of Gale Road, Warwick was received into the arms of her beloved savior Jesus on June 3, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family and friends following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Boston on October 13, 1947. She was the proud daughter of the late John Griffin and the late Clarice Griffin.
Later in life she decided that Warwick would be the most beautiful place to raise her two boys. She remained in Warwick for near 50 years until her passing.
Pat was a loving mother and was so proud of her two sons.
She had a deep love for her savior Jesus Christ, and for her church family, the Athol Orange Baptist Church.
Pat enjoyed living in the small town of Warwick where she had many dear friends and neighbors.
She was employed as a school bus driver, worked for a medical claims insurance company, and cared for elderly people in their homes. Pat also volunteered with North Quabbin Citizens Advocacy.
A gifted writer, she had an Athol Daily News column called "View from a Country Kitchen." She wrote compelling human-interest stories from her heart. A skilled photographer, she framed her own photos and participated in juried art shows.
Her homemade gifts and one of a kind photo cards were thoughtfully made for the recipient and always received with gratitude.
Her wonderful gift for conversation and sharing stories was much appreciated and enjoyed by her friends. She often shared her life experiences, including wonderful memories of raising her sons, and their many sweet holiday traditions.
Pat had an endless love for nature and animals. She could often be found sitting on her porch with her cat Tassy, watching the birds eat the seed she had left for them. Gardening, potted plants and organic unprocessed foods were passions of hers, and she was very proud of her "Yankee Ingenuity", taking something small and simple and turning it into something beautiful.
She persevered through eight years of a very challenging cancer battle. Pat was a true warrior, mother, friend, and lover of Jesus.
She leaves her beloved sons, David Vandenberg and Scott Vandenberg and his wife Robyn, and 7 grandkids.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00am at the Athol Orange Baptist Church.
Her burial will be private in Warwick Center Cemetery.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

November 1, 2025Claire J. ButlerAthol- Claire J. (Anderson) Butler, 87, of Winthrop Street, Athol, died Friday, October ...
11/01/2025

November 1, 2025

Claire J. Butler

Athol- Claire J. (Anderson) Butler, 87, of Winthrop Street, Athol, died Friday, October 31, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by her family.
Claire was born on August 13, 1938 to Severin and Louise Anderson and raised in Petersham.
After graduating from high school she married Joseph Butler and moved to Athol. They were married for 52 years until Joseph’s death on June 21, 2009.
Claire loved traveling with her husband and family, especially to Maine, Europe and to one of Joe and Claire’s favorite islands, Tortola. She was very active and enjoyed cross-country skiing, hiking, walking on the beach and her many fitness classes.
She was employed at the L.S. Starrett Company for over 45 years, working well into her 80s, as the switchboard operator, a job she loved.
Claire leaves one son, Michael J. Butler (Heather); two daughters, Susan E. King and Carol A. Bachelder (David), all of Athol; seven grandchildren, Henry King, Michael P. Butler, Hannah King, Sarah Arnstad, Jason Butler, Maxine Butler and Paul Forand. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren who lovingly called her “CC” and many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, husband and older brother, Edward Anderson, she was predeceased by her son, John Butler on November 25, 2002.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A funeral service will follow at 12 noon at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to a local food pantry. Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

November 1, 2025Laura L. DorowLEOMINSTER- Laura Lee Dorow, 54, beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away October 2...
11/01/2025

November 1, 2025

Laura L. Dorow

LEOMINSTER- Laura Lee Dorow, 54, beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away October 21st, 2025 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester surrounded by those who loved her .
Laura was born in Athol on April 12, 1971, the daughter of Melvin and Dorothy (Bacon) Dorow.
She was the loving daughter of the late Melvin Lee Dorow and of Dorothy and Norman Gelinas of Orange. Laura is also survived by her siblings, John and Jackie, and will be deeply missed by her nephews, Joseph and Joshua.
Laura will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the love she shared so freely with those around her. Her warmth and compassion touched many lives, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.
A private family service and interment in South Cemetery, Orange, will be held to celebrate Laura’s life.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

November 1, 2025Diane M. GrayROYALSTON- Diane M. (Cahill) Gray, 70, of Neale Road, died on Thursday morning, October 30,...
11/01/2025

November 1, 2025

Diane M. Gray

ROYALSTON- Diane M. (Cahill) Gray, 70, of Neale Road, died on Thursday morning, October 30, 2025 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.
Born in Cambridge on May 10, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Virginia (Vincent) Cahill and grew up in Watertown, graduating from Watertown High School in 1973.
In 1975, Diane married James Gray and they enjoyed 40 years of marriage until his death in 2015.
Diane was a waitress for many years at OPG in Watertown.
She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post 442 in Cambridge.
Besides spending time with her family, Diane enjoyed walking, nature, photography and baking.
She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Gray and Matthew Gray; a granddaughter, Shealyn Gray and her mother Jacqueline; brothers, Robert Cahill (Gina Ponte) and David Cahill; and several nephews and nieces.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brothers in law, Donald Gray and Charles Gray.
Calling hours will be November 17, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
There are no formal services.
Interment will be on November 18, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon.
Donations in Diane’s memory can be made to the Trinacrian Rose Church, P.O. Box 320273, West Roxbury, MA 02132.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

October 28, 2025Donna M. ThorpATHOL- Donna M. (Bordeaux) Thorp, 84, of White Pond Road, died Saturday evening, October 2...
10/28/2025

October 28, 2025

Donna M. Thorp

ATHOL- Donna M. (Bordeaux) Thorp, 84, of White Pond Road, died Saturday evening, October 25, 2025 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol.
Born in Holden on July 8, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Aubrey R. and Edith (Clark) Bordeaux and lived in Barre briefly, later moving to Orange. She was a graduate of Ralph C. Mahar Regional Class of 1959.
On August 11, 1962, Donna married William D. Thorp and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage and raising a family until his death on November 28, 2023.
Donna was employed by the L. S. Starrett Co. for over 20 years before retiring. She had previously worked at J. F. McElwain’s and Frederick Rubber.
Donna enjoyed time with her family, as well as reading, making ceramics, going camping and visiting friends at Dunkin’ Donuts.
Donna is survived by her children, William A. Thorp and his wife DeeDee of Orange, Robert D. Thorp of Athol, and Sally Posk and her husband Terry of Athol; grandchildren, Nicole Hebert and her husband Curtis of Petersham, Alan Coffin of Millbury, Christopher Thorp and his wife Kayla of Raytown, Missouri, Jamie Posk and his wife Stephanie of Athol, Johanna Thorp of Massachusetts and Matthew D. Thorp of Gardner; two great grandchildren, Emmett Hebert and Madison Hebert; a nephew, David Walls of Marshfield; and a niece, Beth Walls of Massachusetts. She also leaves sisters in law Patricia Hatzis and Paula Thorp, as well as nieces and nephew, Jennifer Benoit, Jill Muzzy, John Hatzis and Jill Hatzis.
Besides her parents and husband, Donna was predeceased by two brothers, Larry Bordeaux and Aubrey “Sonny” Bordeaux.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A funeral service will follow at 12 noon on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Witty’s Funeral Home in Orange.
Interment will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol, after the service.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

October 26, 2025Florence L. BickfordORANGE- Florence L. (McCusker) Bickford, 103, of Lincoln Avenue, died peacefully at ...
10/26/2025

October 26, 2025

Florence L. Bickford

ORANGE- Florence L. (McCusker) Bickford, 103, of Lincoln Avenue, died peacefully at home on Thursday evening, October 23, 2025, two days after her birthday.
Born in Cambridge on October 20, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Walter M. and Marylena (Silva) McCusker and moved to Billerica at age 9. Florence had attended St. Mary’s School in Cambridge, Howe Jr. and Sr. High Schools in Billerica, graduating in 1940.
On February 27, 1943, Florence joined the WAVES of the United States Navy after her high school sweetheart, Arthur Bickford, left for Guadalcanal on December 7, 1941. While in the service, she attended Hunter College in New York and later the Indiana University for training in Navy Bookkeeping, earning SK(O)2C. She was honorably discharged on August 10, 1945 after being stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.
Florence married Arthur W. Bickford on January 14, 1945 upon his return from the Pacific Theater. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage until his death on January 5, 1994. They had moved to Orange in 1965 from Arlington when Arthur was transferred to cover Western Mass for the DPU.
Florence worked many years for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. as secretary and bookkeeper for Home and Interstate Contracts.
Very active at St. Mary’s Church in Orange, she was a member of the St. Mary’s Women’s Club as well as a Eucharistic minister, serving communion at Quabbin Valley Healthcare in Athol. She also taught CCD.
Florence received the Boston Post Cane in February 2024 from Orange Selectman Chair Tom Smith celebrating Florence becoming Orange’s oldest member.
A lifetime member of the Orange Historical Society, Florence was also involved with the DARE program with Orange Police, the Orange Council on Aging and cooked for the Monday night suppers.
Florence is survived by her sons, David Bickford and his wife, Sara, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Kevin Bickford, of Athol; grandchildren, Wayne Maciejewski, Craig Maciejewski, David Bickford Jr., Shelby Bickford and Thomas Bickford; great grandchildren, Katherine M. Maciejewski, Allison Maciejewski, Courtney Maciejewski, Sara Maciejewski, Adam Maciejewski, Cecelia Bickford and Sullivan Bickford; brother in law, Terry Maciejewski of Athol; nephews, Wayne Maciejewski, David Michael Bickford Jr., Craig Maciejewski, and Thomas Bickford; a niece, Shelby Bickford; and a cousin, Lynda Gutro; and Nancy and Terry’s grandchildren, Katie, Courtney, Allie, Sara and Adam.
Besides her parents and husband, Florence was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Maciejewski on January 15, 2014, and sons, Arthur W. Bickford Jr. on May 5, 2021 and Paul Bickford on September 21, 2025.
A calling hour will be held on November 3, 2025 from 10- 10:45 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on November 3, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange, with Fr. Mark Glover officiating.
Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.
Florence wished for no flowers, just prayers.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for Witty's Funeral Home in The Recorder's "Franklin Favorites for makin...
10/25/2025

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for Witty's Funeral Home in The Recorder's "Franklin Favorites for making us the winner for 2025!

October 21, 2025Sharing for a friend..................TITUSVILLE, FL – Arthur David Upshaw, 87, of Titusville, FL, died ...
10/21/2025

October 21, 2025

Sharing for a friend..................

TITUSVILLE, FL – Arthur David Upshaw, 87, of Titusville, FL, died peacefully at Royal Oaks Nursing Home, Titusville on Saturday, October 18th, 2025 following declining health.
Born in Boston on September 29th, 1938, he was the son of David and Nellie (Waid) Upshaw and lived in Petersham, MA, Hanover Park, IL, Lilburn, GA before moving to Titusville in 2003.
Art was married to Anna (Letourneau) Upshaw for 57 loving years. He was previously married to Marilyn Blanchard who died on February 27, 1967.
Employed by the L.S. Starrett Co. of Athol MA for many years, he retired in 2003 as a Saw Service Engineer Salesman.
Art graduated from Athol High School Class of 1956 then enlisted in the United States Navy on September 5th 1956 at age 17 and was honorably discharged on September 28, 1959.
He loved The Great Outdoors Church family, woodworking, carpentry, travel, and spending time with the family. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping and gardening.
He will always be remembered for his witty sense of humor.
Art is survived by his wife Anna of Titusville; his sons Craig of WA; Curtis and his wife Margaret of Petersham; Lee and his wife Vikki of West Chicago, IL; Derek and his wife Mary Ann of Titusville, Fl; daughter Cathleen Smith and her husband Wayne IV of South Elgin, IL and grandchildren, Michael Upshaw, Mark Upshaw, Patty Upshaw, Leanna Upshaw, Samantha
Upshaw, Heather Hemphill, Angelina Upshaw, Wayne Smith V, Allicyn Woodrich, Ezra Smith, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Art was predeceased by a sister, Nancy Wegiel, and a brother, John Upshaw.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 27th at 1:00 p.m. at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home 1360 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL, immediately followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.
Interment will be at a later date at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery,
Mims, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Great Outdoors Community Church, 144 Plantation Dr, Titusville, FL 32780.

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158 S Main Street
Orange, MA
01364

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